Auburn City Council approved a resolution Thursday night supporting a grant application for a proposed 70-unit market-rate housing project on Dunning Avenue. The decision allows Cayuga County to apply for $1 million in state infrastructure funding to support the development, which is expected to bring new housing options to Auburn.
The project, led by Park Grove Realty, would include seven residential buildings, a clubhouse, a pet spa, and a pickleball court. Assistant City Manager Jennifer Haines said the development is designed to attract professionals such as teachers and medical workers, with rental rates ranging from $1,700 for one-bedroom units to $2,400 for three-bedrooms. Mayor James Giannettino and several council members expressed strong support for the initiative, describing it as a necessary investment to retain Auburn’s workforce.
During the public comment period, resident Pamela Costa questioned whether residents on Dunning Avenue had been adequately informed about the project. She voiced concerns that the development was being pushed through without proper public engagement. City officials said public notifications and zoning approvals would still be required before construction could move forward.
The council also approved a resolution authorizing various operating budget transfers for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Much of the discussion focused on emergency overtime costs for police and fire services. Fire Chief Mark Fritz explained that several structure fires this winter, including a fatal house fire on 12th Street, had significantly increased overtime expenses. Each major fire response costs approximately $3,000 in overtime, but the fatal fire required an extended response and cost more than $9,000. He said the department had attempted to keep overtime costs low during budget planning but could not predict the volume of emergencies.
Police overtime was also discussed, with city officials noting that staffing shortages contributed to the need for additional hours. Some vacancies have yet to be filled, but the department expects to bring on new hires before the end of the fiscal year.
A separate resolution was passed to amend Auburn’s procurement and surplus policy. Comptroller Mary Beth Leeson said the changes were recommended by state auditors to improve financial oversight of public works projects. The amendment introduces a standardized process for approving contract modifications, ensuring compliance with New York State municipal law.
City Manager Jeff Dygert provided an update on several ongoing projects. The Hoopes Park restoration project has encountered delays due to cold weather but is expected to resume progress in the spring. Persistent pothole issues remain a concern, with city crews performing temporary repairs until conditions allow for more permanent fixes. Dygert also proposed rescheduling the preliminary 2025-2026 budget presentation from April 10 to April 24, though a final decision will be made when all council members are present.
Council members received a brief report from the Auburn Human Rights Commission, which recently attended a state training session. The council also addressed a memorandum of understanding related to the STRIVE initiative, a statewide effort focused on reducing intimate partner violence.
The next zoning board meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 24. The next city council meeting will be held Thursday, where officials will provide further updates on Auburn’s housing, infrastructure, and public safety priorities.
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